Decatur, Indiana Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Decatur, Indiana is a small city located in Adams County, about halfway between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. The city has a population of just over 9,000 people and is the county seat of Adams County. It is known for its friendly community and strong sense of pride in its local history.

The city was founded in 1836 by John Garret Decatur, a Revolutionary War veteran who purchased the land from the Native Americans. He named it after himself, as well as his hometown of Decatur Township in Pennsylvania. The city was incorporated in 1837 and has since grown to become a thriving community with a mix of old-world charm and modern amenities.

The downtown area features historic buildings including the Decatur County Courthouse which was built in 1876 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are also several churches such as St. Mary’s Catholic Church which dates back to 1875, and Decatur Presbyterian Church which has been around since 1867. Other points of interest include the Adams County Museum which offers insight into the area’s history through exhibits and artifacts, as well as the Decatur Public Library which houses an extensive collection of books and other media materials.

Decatur boasts several parks including Riverside Park along the banks of St. Mary’s River with picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, walking paths and more; Bronson Park with its unique band shell; Central Park with its picturesque gazebo; and Adams Mill Park which includes an old-fashioned gristmill that still works today! Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy nearby Lake Decatur which is popular for fishing and boating activities during warmer months.

The town celebrates its heritage through various annual events such as Heritage Days held every summer at Central Park where visitors can enjoy music, food vendors, craft booths and more; Apple Festival held every fall where apple pies are sold to benefit local charities; Taste of Decatur held every spring showcasing local restaurants’ specialties; Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony held each December to kick off the holiday season; plus many more!

Decatur is a great place to live or visit due to its friendly atmosphere, diverse attractions, unique history, vibrant culture and beautiful scenery – all within easy reach from major cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne! Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation opportunities or just want to get away from it all for a bit – this charming little town has something for everyone.

Population: 9,528. Estimated population in July 2024: 9,547 (+0.2% change)
Males: 4,639 (48.7%), Females: 4,889 (51.3%)

Adams County

Zip code: 46733

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.1 years
Median household income: $37,234
Median house value: $77,900

Population by Race

Races in Decatur:

• White Non-Hispanic (91.0%)
• Hispanic (7.7%)
• Other race (3.6%)
• Two or more races (0.8%)
• American Indian (0.5%)

(Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races)

Ancestries: German (32.2%), United States (9.8%), Irish (8.5%), English (8.0%), Swiss (4.0%), French (3.3%).

Elevation: 794 feet

Land area: 4.9 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Decatur

• High school or higher: 85.0%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.2%
• Graduate or professional degree: 4.4%
• Unemployed: 5.3%
• Mean travel time to work: 19.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Decatur city

• Never married: 22.5%
• Now married: 55.0%
• Separated: 1.6%
• Widowed: 8.1%
• Divorced: 12.8%

1.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +242 (+2.6%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Decatur:

• ADAMS COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (805 HIGH STREET)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Decatur:

• BLUFFTON REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 18 miles; BLUFFTON, IN)
• SELECT SPECIALTY HOSPITAL-FT WAYNE (about 23 miles; FORT WAYNE, IN)
• ST JOSEPH HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; FORT WAYNE, IN)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Decatur:

• FORT WAYNE INTERNATIONAL (about 20 miles; FORT WAYNE, IN; Abbreviation: FWA)
• DELAWARE COUNTY – JOHNSON FIELD (about 52 miles; MUNCIE, IN; Abbreviation: MIE)
• ANDERSON MUNICIPAL-DARLINGTON FIELD (about 69 miles; ANDERSON, IN; Abbreviation: AID)

Other public-use airports nearest to Decatur:

• DECATUR HI-WAY (about 6 miles; DECATUR, IN; Abbreviation: DCR)
• MILLER (about 23 miles; BLUFFTON, IN; Abbreviation: C40)
• VAN WERT COUNTY (about 23 miles; VAN WERT, OH; Abbreviation: VNW)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Decatur:

• INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY-FORT WAYNE (about 23 miles; FT WAYNE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 7,385)
• BALL STATE UNIVERSITY (about 55 miles; MUNCIE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 17,039)
• INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY (about 55 miles; MARION, IN; Full-time enrollment: 6,684)
• IVY TECH STATE COLLEGE-EAST CENTRAL (about 56 miles; MUNCIE, IN; Full-time enrollment: 2,013)
• ANDERSON UNIVERSITY (about 70 miles; ANDERSON, IN; Full-time enrollment: 2,116)
• OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY (about 77 miles; ADA, OH; Full-time enrollment: 3,161)
• WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 88 miles; DAYTON, OH; Full-time enrollment: 11,734)

Schools

Public high school in Decatur:

• BELLMONT SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 874; Location: 1000 N ADAMS; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Decatur:

• BELLMONT MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 531; Location: 1200 N ADAMS; Grades: 06 – 08)
• SOUTHEAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 335; Location: 901 EVERHART DR; Grades: KG – 05)
• NORTHWEST ELEMENTARY (Students: 329; Location: 1109 DAYTON ST; Grades: KG – 05)
• MONMOUTH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 233; Location: 251 W 850 N; Grades: KG – 05)

Private primary/middle schools in Decatur:

• ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 362; Location: 127 N FOURTH STREET; Grades: KG – 8)
• WYNEKEN MEMORIAL LUTHERAN SCH (Students: 251; Location: 11565 N US HWY 27; Grades: PK – 8)
• ST PETER IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCH (Students: 102; Location: 3845 E 1100 N; Grades: KG – 8)
• ZION LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Students: 91; Location: 1022 W MONROE STREET; Grades: PK – 8)

Libraries

Library in Decatur:

• DECATUR PL (Operating income: $546,755; Location: 128 S 3RD ST; 60,852 books; 2,023 audio materials; 2,757 video materials; 200 serial subscriptions)